Calming presence

Sunlight glitters off metal as the blade arcs through the air. There’s a resounding crack as the axe head impacts the wooden training dummy, chips flying off the surface. Almost as soon as the weapon stops, it’s pulled away again in a sweeping arc, the backswing transforming into another attack. Transcribing nearly a full circle around the wielder, the next strike lands before even the echo of the first has faded. This time, the smile of the axe buries itself deep into the neck of the dummy, and sticks fast.

Kael snarls, freeing the weapon with a savage kick. Dropping back into his stance, he renews his **** upon the poor training dummy, hacking away like a berserker. It’s fortunate that the training area was empty. Any sparring partner would have suffered against the release of Kael’s anger. Instead, an inanimate object absorbs the punishment.

As Kael worked his body, his mind wrestled in a different arena. He had known that his words may upset Lord Greyheart, but his actual reaction was confusing. It was clear that he agreed with Kael, but the outright refusal to act upon it was baffling. Why not? Yes, there would be resistance and anger, but there would be many who agreed as well. Wouldn’t there? And with the public firmly behind them, now was the time. Especially after the stories of the battle spreading, there would never be more sympathy towards nonhumans than now!

His confusion and anger pushed him to strike harder, slamming his weapon viciously against the dummy. Heedless of the damage, Kael vented his emotions through ****. The dummy gives out first, snapping in half and crashing to the ground in pieces. Kael stands over the wreckage, panting, when he hears clapping from behind him.

“I think you won, big guy.”

Kael whirls to see Ria leaning against the door, watching from the entrance to the training ground. There’s a smile on her face, but also obvious concern in her eyes as she looks at him. “You know, those things aren’t meant for our kind of ****. You okay?”

Kael sighs, tossing the axe aside. “No.”

Ria nods, walking over to him. “It’s kinda obvious. Want to talk about it?”

Kael shrugs. “No. Yes. I don’t know. Ria, I may have made a mistake. Or maybe I didn’t. I don’t know what to do.”

Ria gently places a hand on Kael’s arm. “Let’s take a rest, big guy. Tell me what happened.”

Kael nods, and the two of them move over to a bench in the shade. Taking a seat, Kael explains what happened in his meeting with Lord Greyheart. Ria’s eyes widen as he describes the incident.

“You…shouted at each other? Kael! You’re always so loyal and dutiful…”

Kael looks at her. “And that’s what I’m doing. Part of our duty is to guide our lord onto the correct path.”

Ria grimaces. “I want you to know that I’m on your side, big guy, but…you have to see beyond the immediate here. Lord Greyheart can’t immediately do this, even if the people here would accept it.”

Kael shakes his head. “Why not?”

Ria sighs. “Think about it. We just fought off a strong opponent, and now we have the chance to form a strong alliance to protect us in the future. If Lord Greyheart does what you ask, what happens to that alliance?”

Kael grunts. “If they don’t share our values, then we shouldn’t be allies.”

Ria nods. “Noble words, and I agree. But changes of this degree take time, big guy. Humanity has enslaved the other races for hundreds of years now. We can’t just flip a switch and shut that off.”

Kael sighs. “And meanwhile, people like Gabby suffer.”

Ria puts an arm around his shoulders. “Yeah. It’s not good. But we have to start somewhere, and at least you put the idea out there. You **** him to think about it.”

Kael laughs without humor. “I suppose it’s a start. But I want to do more.”

Ria rubs his back. “You gotta start somewhere, big guy. Now. On to better things. Specifically, Evie.”

Kael chuckles. “The real reason you’re here, hmm?”

Ria grins. “I made a promise! Do you mind if I steal her this evening?”

Kael smiles. “Just don’t break her, I’m kind of fond of her.”

Ria laughs and kisses his cheek. “No worries, I’ll be gentle, she’s delicate. Besides, this will give you some alone time with Gabby. Maybe you can make a move on her!”

Kael rolls his eyes. “You too? I swear, you and Evie want a harem, not a family.”

Ria shrugs. “Same difference. We’ll all just get in a big pile!”

They both laugh, standing up and walking for the exit. As usual, Ria has pulled Kael out of his self pity, and redirected his anger. Taking her hand, he glances over at her, her fiery red hair a match for the fire in his heart. Despite the mistakes of the day, it seems like everything is going to be fine.